Mike Tee

After 20 years at the sharp end of the oil business, whenever I hear the question about amateur / professional status etc, I am reminded of this 🤣

Re the ownership question, if at all possible talk with any other boat owners / dwellers on site to verify the owner. How long known etc.

Just a minor aside from the Lockgate discussion, a multi fuel on coal kicks off my asthma (but wood is fine) and a diesel stove is also fine. Odd, but worth remembering for any other sufferers out there in case it affects you.

If they are the magnets I think they are, be careful, they are quite fragile - look tough, but drop them on a hard surface and they will shatter!

If your finances will stretch to 70’ then think about it seriously. Within 6 months that extra 10-15’ will be priceless- how do I know? We had a 60’ built (due to available cash) and out of the whole liveaboard experience the only thing I would have changed would be to somehow find the money for the extra 10’. We did cruise extensively but never got to anywhere a 70’ could not have gone.

These work a treat, and you can also screw things with it🤣

Providing there is no internal evidence of leaks (from the metal/wood join) and the hull is sound, with that engine I'd say it is not a bad buy. Problem with a woodentop is that it will probably leak / rot eventually unless you keep a wary eye on it, speaking of which, the external paint looks rather new. Be very wary - worth getting a surveyor to have a look anyway. eta_ starboard front, just before the well deck, where the wood / steel joint is, there is a classic sign of rot

Advert posted yesterday, so I’d say it is now back on the market - pity the photos don’t do it justice (Haven’t worked out how to copy a link on this iPad thing, but it’s on the duck)

If all you need it for is passing up a rope, then it might be easier to source a telescopic pole such as window cleaners use - long and light. You could bung a small squeegee on the end, and bend it into a 'U' shape.

that's a fairly big ask, even for a besotted enthusiast

The Starships, I believe, don't carry Amazon stuff, they are located next to a local Co-Op and deliver groceries etc - ideal if you wake up on Saturday morning and fancy a fry-up but don't have the makings! Not expensive, only a £1 or so over the cost of the goods.

a bit bigger https://www.amazon.co.uk/Diameter-22-25-31-Filling-Plastic-Balloon/dp/B072JYD6TV?th=1 or this 21" monster, but would cost a fortune after going to USA for it! https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=119311&clickid=recommended-slider

Many years ago when we had a boat built, there were many discussions about the name. After much disagreement, I said if we couldn't come to a mutually agreed name it was to be named 'Beefer' (Beefer boat). We soon agreed a 'proper' name!